The Mark of Cain's lead singer, Josie Scott, has revealed a lifetime of masking the truth, a secret far more brutal than the band's hard-hitting music. For nearly 60 years, Scott has been living as a man, keeping her true identity hidden from the world. But now, she's breaking free, sharing her story and the profound impact it's had on her life and art.
A Lifetime of Secrecy
Scott's journey began when she discovered her true nature as a child. She knew who she was, yet felt compelled to endure the secrecy, writing in her journals as a form of release. Her self-medication involved various coping mechanisms, from denial to seeking philosophical guidance to help her navigate the challenges of living a double life.
Making Their Mark
The Mark of Cain, formed in the mid-1980s, became a force in Adelaide rock music. With Scott on lead guitar and her brother Kim on bass, the band released their first album, 'Battlesick', in 1989. Their critically acclaimed work continued with 'The Unclaimed Prize' in 1991 and the breakthrough 'Ill At Ease' in 1995, which is now in Rolling Stone's top 200 Australian albums of all time. Scott subtly wove hints of her true identity into her music, using it as a means of self-expression.
Ill At Ease: A Turning Point
The album 'Ill At Ease' became a pivotal moment for Scott, encapsulating her feelings of unease and resonating with others' experiences. It explored themes of broken relationships and the complexities of the human condition, all while reflecting Scott's own struggles. This album, in particular, served as a powerful vehicle for her to express her true self.
David Bowie's Influence
Scott has always been inspired by artists like David Bowie, who embraced their true selves. She admired their courage and self-expression, but her own journey was fraught with societal conditioning and the fear of ridicule and shame. Despite these obstacles, she found solace and release in music, using it as a means of self-discovery.
A Decision to Come Out
During a period of reflection while recovering from COVID-19, Scott made the decision to come out. She realized that her regrets stemmed from a lack of authenticity and felt compelled to take action. On Monday, at exactly 9 p.m. CDST, she made her public announcement, sharing her story on social media.
A Positive Response
Scott's revelation was met with an overwhelming positive response from fans and colleagues. She received over 1,000 encouraging comments and support from other Australian bands like Regurgitator, Frenzel Rhomb, and Spiderbait. The outpouring of support restored her faith in humanity, and she felt a sense of relief and liberation.
Moving Forward
Despite the changes, Scott assures that The Mark of Cain will continue to create music as they always have. The band is currently working on new songs, and Scott feels a renewed sense of freedom and creativity. She jokes that the only difference might be a more androgynous appearance on stage, but the essence of their music remains the same.
A Message of Authenticity
Scott's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. As she moves forward, she inspires others to embrace their true selves and find the courage to share their stories.
